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| - I will never fault an establishment for slow service when it's a Saturday night and the place is packed. But, it would be nice to get acknowledged by a bartender while waiting for a drink and a table to open up. "One second and I'll be right with you," can go a long ways... no acknowledgment from a bartender is a good way to get possible patrons to turn around and walk out.
Let's get to the food. Chips and three types of salsa were brought to our table shortly after being seated. The salsas were fantastic but they were served in stainless steel vessels that had tall brims, making it more than frustrating to dip a chip. We started with the Roasted Mexican Corn that was served on the cob. This is some of the best I have ever had, spicy with enough citrus to provide a palatable balance with each bite. For the main course, we decided to go with tacos. My lovely wife went with the Korean Beef taco and the Mi Casa Es Su Casa taco, which is with lobster and shrimp mac 'n cheese. I went for the Cochinita Pibil (slow roasted pork), the Ninja Pig (crispy pork with Hoisin glaze), and the Fried Avocado & Bacon tacos. It is noteworthy that when you order three tacos, rice and beans included. I went with black beans as opposed to pinto beans.
Across the board, with a couple exceptions, the tacos were ok. There seemed to be a lack of flavor/seasoning. The Mi Casa Es Su Casa taco sounded more ridiculous than anything but the flavors worked, and it was delicious. The Cohinita Pibil taco was amazing... knocked my socks off. Tender and smoky with a hint of citrus. Instead of carnitas, I am going to start making Cochinita Pibil or Puerca Pibil at home... if I can find banana leaves. But that is where the praise stops. The Korean Beef taco was disappointing with flavor and texture more akin to beef jerky. The Ninja Pig was more chewy than crispy and the sweetness of the glaze was more detracting than enhancing of the experience. The Fried Avocado & Bacon taco was in desperate need of salt and did not deliver on the heat promised by the serrano chile mayo. Despite the missteps with the tacos, the black beans and rice were flavorful and a good addition to the meal.
I can appreciate what Belair is trying to do with the convenient location off the Square, the $2 dollar select tacos on Tuesday and Thursdays, and All-You-Can-Eat Fish tacos on Fridays during Lent... but the whole experience just left me disappointed, in general. The atmosphere and decor is vibrant and the menu reads to reflect that vibrance. However, the flavor was just not there.
I wouldn't mind trying the place, again, but Belair has to step up the consistency on delivering flavor to get on the same level as other Mexican restaurants in the area.
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